Jilyara Heath Road Cabernet Malbec 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon dominant (87%) with Malbec (13%). A new addition to the portfolio showing the shoulders and sturdy reliable frame of Cabernet with lift and high tones of Malbec. The Malbec sits atop the Cabernet a bit like a toddler riding high on dad’s shoulders, the whole world at its feet. Here Malbec shows in hibiscus florals, raspberry compote and wild rosehip and elevates the more brooding Cabernet blackberry and subtle herbal shades. Picked thyme leaves and oregano followed by vanilla bean, cassia bark and cinnamon. It’s charms and disarms, it’s cheeky in its zesty freshness with grainy tannins and a real succulence to the acidity. The wine spends 18 months in French barriques but you’d hardly know. Drink now and you’d be hard pressed to stop at a glass. Serve with popcorn chicken bites and a good movie, you’ll be too busy drinking to chit chat to anyone. Yum.

Shanteh Wale

Contributor at Wine Companion

Shanteh cut her teeth at Sydney’s Award-Winning Quay restaurant where she worked for over a decade and was Head Sommelier from 2018 till 2022. She has been nominated for the Good Food Guide Sommelier of the Year award on three occasions and claims that her experience as a Len Evans scholar as one of the highlights of her career. Shanteh hosts her own weekly podcast ‘Over A Glass’ with the Deep in the Weeds Network and spends her time writing for various publications and judging at numerous wine shows across the country.

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